Mia Kang is a British-Swiss model, Muay Thai fighter, author, and TV host, best known for breaking stereotypes in both the fashion and combat sports industries. Born in Hong Kong on December 30, 1988, she battled bullying, eating disorders, and body shaming to emerge as a global icon of self-love and empowerment. From walking for high-end brands to winning her first professional Muay Thai fight, Mia Kang continues to inspire millions.
She is currently based in New York City, married to UFC fighter Khalil Rountree Jr., and is a passionate advocate for body positivity and women’s strength.
Mia Kang Wiki/Bio
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Mia Kang |
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1988 |
| Age | 36 years (as of July 2025) |
| Profession | Model, Muay Thai Fighter, Author, TV Host |
| Known For | Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Book Knockout, Muay Thai |
| Hometown | Hong Kong, China |
| Current Residence | New York City, USA |
| Nationality | British, Swiss, South Korean |
| Instagram ID | @miakang |
Physical Details
| Field | Details |
| Height | 5’10” (177 cm) |
| Weight | 130–170 lbs (59–77 kg), varies with training |
| Eye Color | Light Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Build | Athletic, Model Physique |
Early Life
Mia Kang was born in Hong Kong to a British physicist father from Oxford and a South Korean mother. Her parents met in Taiwan and later moved to Hong Kong. Mia is the youngest in a blended family, with four older half-siblings from her parents’ previous marriages.
Growing up, she was mostly raised as an only child and faced identity struggles and bullying for her weight and mixed heritage. A pivotal moment came at age 13, when a doctor warned her about health risks, prompting her to lose weight drastically—something that eventually led to her modeling career. This challenging phase became the backbone of her memoir Knockout.
Education
Mia attended Island School in Hong Kong before moving to the UK. She earned her bachelor’s degree in philosophy and economics from the University of Bristol and went on to pursue a master’s degree in finance and financial law at SOAS, University of London. Briefly, she worked as a commodities trader, but the corporate world never felt like home, leading her back to modeling.
Family
Mia Kang is married to UFC fighter Khalil Rountree Jr., and the couple shares a deep passion for Muay Thai and mental well-being. Though they married around 2020, they keep their relationship mostly private.
Her parents, both highly educated, have played key roles in shaping her discipline and resilience. Mia is also a proud cat mom and often shares glimpses of her home life on Instagram. Despite being distant from her half-siblings, she maintains a close bond with her immediate family and Khalil.
Career Highlights
Mia began modeling at age 13 after being scouted for a Levi’s campaign. She worked in cities like Tokyo, Singapore, Milan, and London, landing on the covers of Elle and Harper’s Bazaar Hong Kong. In 2016, she gained international fame after appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, winning the Model Search, and later becoming a 2017 Rookie. She also appeared on TV shows like Wild ‘N Out and hosted Spy Games (2020).
In 2016, a trip to Thailand changed her life—she discovered Muay Thai, and after six months of intense training, she made her pro fight debut in 2017, winning by TKO. Known in the ring as “Killa Kang”, she’s trained with legends like Saenchai and Phil Nurse. In 2020, she published her memoir Knockout, sharing her journey from disordered eating to mental and physical strength.
She later founded Killa Girl Gang, a women-only boxing club in New York City, and hosted body-positive retreats in Thailand. Her viral Instagram post comparing her modeling weight to her fighter physique won praise for pushing back against industry norms.
Career Start & Recognition
| Field | Details |
| Modeling Debut | At age 13, Levi’s campaign |
| Sports Illustrated Debut | 2016 (Model Search winner), 2017 Rookie |
| TV Debut | Wild ‘N Out (2017), Spy Games (2020) |
| Muay Thai Debut | May 7, 2017 – Win by TKO |
| Authorship | Knockout: My Fight for Body Confidence (2020) |
| Founded | Killa Girl Gang (NYC boxing club) |
Net Worth
| Field | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1–$3 Million (as of 2025) |
| Main Income Sources | Modeling, Book Sales, TV Hosting, Brand Deals |
| Other Sources | Muay Thai Fights, Brand Partnerships |
Controversies
Mia Kang has spoken openly about the toxic standards of the fashion industry. She confessed to not eating for days during her early modeling days, which led to severe health issues. In 2018, she posted a side-by-side photo comparing her old size-two body to her current athletic build, sparking debate online. Some critics accused her of promoting unhealthy weight gain, but Mia clapped back, emphasizing health over size. In 2023, a quote about having sex for testosterone boost before fights went viral but was later clarified as mindset-focused rather than medical advice.
Recent Updates
2024
- Modeled for Triumph and Aveda
- Trained with Khalil Rountree Jr. in Thailand ahead of his UFC 307 fight
- Shared her story on The Today Show promoting body positivity
2025
- Modeled for Chanel and Hut
- Teased a new TV hosting project on X
- Trained with Lyndon Knowles in Thailand, sparking rumors of a Muay Thai comeback
- Supported Khalil at UFC on ABC 8 (June 21)